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Can You Still Transfer Pokémon from DS Games? The Definitive Guide

Yes, the short answer is you can still transfer Pokémon from DS games, but it’s a multi-step process that requires a specific setup and understanding of the limitations. The ability to move your beloved Pokémon from older generations to newer ones is a key feature for many dedicated trainers, and despite some changes in Nintendo’s online services, it’s still possible to bridge the gap. Let’s break down how this works and what you need to know in 2024.

Understanding the Transfer Process

The transfer of Pokémon from DS games doesn’t happen directly to the Nintendo Switch. Instead, it involves a two-stage process, using a 3DS system as an intermediary. First, you will need to transfer your Pokémon from your DS games to Pokémon Bank (a 3DS app), and from there, to Pokémon HOME (a cloud service for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices). This process is complex and involves multiple steps.

Here’s the general flow:

DS Game -> DS System -> Pokémon Transfer to a Gen 5 game
Gen 5 Game -> 3DS System -> Poké Transporter -> Pokémon Bank
Pokémon Bank -> Pokémon HOME
Pokémon HOME -> Nintendo Switch Game (like Pokémon Scarlet or Violet)

This may sound complicated, but if you follow each step carefully, you’ll be able to bring your prized companions on this epic journey through time.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Transferring From DS Games (Generation 4)

For Generation 4 games, such as Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, the process involves using Pal Park. Pal Park is in Fuchsia City in the Kanto region and allows you to move Pokémon from Gen 3 (GBA) games like Firered, Leafgreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald, to your Gen 4 game. This is the first, necessary step if you’re looking to move Pokemon from Gameboy Advance games into Pokémon Bank, and subsequently, HOME.

To transfer pokemon from the Gen 3 games you’ll need to insert your Gameboy Advance game in to the GBA slot of the first Nintendo DS system and boot up your Gen 4 game on the cartridge in the top slot. On the title screen of the Gen 4 game you’ll have a new option to “Migrate from GBA”. This will transfer 6 pokemon at a time to your Gen 4 game. Once in Gen 4, you must transfer your pokemon to a Gen 5 game.

Step 2: Transferring From DS Games (Generation 5)

For Generation 5 games like Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, the process involves using the “Poke Transfer” feature. You will need two DS systems. Insert your Gen 5 game into one DS system, and then boot up the other system. On the main menu of the second DS system, before you start a game, you will see a DS Download Play option. Use this option to connect to your Gen 5 game. When this is successfully downloaded, the Gen 5 game on your first DS system will have an option from the main menu to “Transfer Pokemon”.

Once you are in the Gen 5 game’s main menu, you can select the “Download Play” option and begin transferring Pokemon from another system. You will be prompted to select a “Poke Transfer ID”. This will take a few moments to download. After the transfer you will need to find the Poké Transfer building to complete the transfer. This will allow the transfer of 6 Pokemon at a time from Gen 4.

Step 3: Moving to Pokémon Bank

Once you have your Pokémon in a Gen 5 game you can use Poké Transporter, a companion app to Pokémon Bank, to move your Pokémon from the Gen 5 game to Pokémon Bank. Pokémon Bank is a 3DS-only application.

Download Pokémon Bank on your 3DS system if you haven’t already. Note that while the eShop for 3DS is closed, you can still download any previously purchased or free applications like Pokémon Bank.
Launch Pokémon Bank. From the main menu, you’ll see an option to “Move Pokémon to Pokémon Bank”, “Use Poké Transporter”, “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME”, and other options.
Select “Use Poké Transporter”. This app will be able to locate the Gen 5 game on your 3DS system. This will allow you to transfer 1 box at a time of Gen 5 Pokemon to Pokémon Bank.
Select the box of pokemon that you want to transfer.
Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer the Pokémon to your Pokémon Bank boxes.

Step 4: Transferring from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME

Finally, to bring your Pokémon into the modern era, you’ll need to transfer them from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

Launch Pokémon Bank on your 3DS system.
Select “Move Pokémon to Pokémon HOME” from the main menu.
Follow the instructions to generate a Moving Key.
Launch Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or smartphone.
Select “Transfer” or a similar option, and then enter the Moving Key from the Pokémon Bank app.
Your Pokémon will now be transferred to your Pokémon HOME account.

Step 5: Using Pokémon in Switch Games

Once your Pokémon are safely in Pokémon HOME, you can transfer them to compatible Nintendo Switch games, like Pokémon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet, when and if those game have an update to allow past Pokemon to move to it. This is a one-way trip for pokemon transferred from Pokémon Bank, they cannot be returned to the 3DS system.

Important Considerations

Pokémon Bank is now free: As of March 27, 2023, Pokémon Bank became a free service.
3DS Online Services Discontinued: While the online services for the 3DS and Wii U have been discontinued, Pokémon Bank is still operational for the time being, but the services are expected to go offline eventually.
No direct transfer to Switch: The transfer process is not a direct connection to the Nintendo Switch. You absolutely need a 3DS system, Pokémon Bank, and Pokémon HOME.
Limitations of Gen 4: Generation 4 games cannot trade directly with the 3DS Pokémon X/Y/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire or other Gen 6 games, and also cannot transfer to the Switch games or Pokémon HOME.
Time-sensitive: You will have 3 minutes to input the Moving Key in Pokémon HOME, after it is generated in the Pokémon Bank app.
No return: Once pokemon are transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME they cannot be sent back to Pokémon Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still download Pokémon Bank?

While you cannot download Pokémon Bank from the 3DS eShop now, it is still possible to download previously purchased or free games from the eShop if you have downloaded it in the past.

2. Can I transfer Pokémon directly from my DS to a Nintendo Switch?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from a DS to a Nintendo Switch. The process requires a 3DS system, Pokémon Bank, and Pokémon HOME.

3. What do I need to transfer my Pokémon from DS games?

You will need:

A Nintendo DS (or DS Lite or DSi) and Nintendo 3DS system.
The DS and 3DS games containing the Pokemon you want to transfer.
A working copy of Pokémon Bank on your 3DS.
A working copy of Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
A Nintendo Network ID linked to your 3DS and Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
Enough space in your Pokémon Bank boxes and Pokémon HOME boxes for the Pokémon you’d like to transfer.

4. Can I transfer from GBA games directly to Pokémon HOME?

No, you cannot directly transfer from Game Boy Advance (GBA) games to Pokémon HOME. You must transfer them through Gen 4 DS games first to complete the necessary transfer chain.

5. Is Pokémon Bank still free?

Yes, Pokémon Bank is currently free to use, as the paid passes are no longer available for purchase as of March 27, 2023.

6. Will Pokémon Bank eventually shut down?

While Pokémon Bank is still operational, there has been no announcement of it shutting down, but it may eventually stop working. It is best to move your pokemon to Pokémon HOME as soon as possible.

7. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank back to a 3DS game?

No, Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME from Pokémon Bank cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Bank or used with 3DS titles.

8. Can I use Poké Transporter without Pokémon Bank?

No, Poké Transporter is a companion app of Pokémon Bank and is required to transfer Pokemon from Gen 5 games to Pokémon Bank.

9. Can I trade Pokémon from DS games without online services?

Yes, Pokemon can still be transferred from DS games to Pokémon Bank via Poke Transporter, and then to Pokémon HOME. However, this requires using a second DS system for transferring between DS games, and Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME will need a stable internet connection to do the final transfer.

10. What are the limitations of transferring from older generations?

Only Pokémon that were coded into older games can transfer forward. Also, any moves or items carried by Pokémon will not transfer, and some abilities may change upon transfer.

11. Can I transfer event Pokémon from DS games?

Yes, event Pokémon can typically be transferred as long as they haven’t been altered or hacked.

12. What happens if my Pokémon Bank storage expires?

There is no storage limit with Pokémon Bank right now as the paid service has ended and Pokémon Bank is free for use. There is, however, a 3000 Pokémon storage limit within Pokémon HOME.

13. Can I still transfer Pokémon from DS to Brilliant Diamond?

No, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Gen 4 games and do not support the transfer of pokemon from games beyond Gen 4, and also cannot receive pokemon from Pokémon HOME.

14. Can I get banned from using Pokémon Bank?

It is unlikely you would be banned from using Pokémon Bank, as Nintendo is not actively seeking to remove those who use their free services. However, be aware that transferring hacked or altered Pokémon could result in account restrictions.

15. Can I use emulators for this process?

While emulators might be used to play older games, they are not officially supported and the transfer process is only officially supported through original hardware and purchased or downloaded games. It is generally suggested to avoid using them for this process.

Conclusion

The journey to bring your old companions to the latest Pokémon games can be complex, but it is still possible. By following these steps and understanding the limitations, you can continue your adventure across generations. Don’t delay in making these transfers, though, as the services supporting the older systems are not guaranteed to remain active indefinitely. Good luck, Trainers!

Can you still transfer Pokémon from DS games?